This paper examines the development of research skills in students at a pedagogical university in the modern educational environment. It substantiates the need to develop research skills in future teachers as an important component of professional training. The psychological structure of research abilities is identified, including motivational, content-based, operational-executive, and intellectual-creative components. A research-based learning system has been developed, aimed at developing and nurturing students' research competencies through training, research practice, and performance monitoring. Criteria for assessing the level of development of research abilities and a set of diagnostic methods for determining them are presented. The study results confirm the effectiveness of the implemented research-based learning system and demonstrate positive dynamics in the development of research abilities in students at a pedagogical university.